Forklift Operator

Smith Gardens•Aurora, OR

4d•$20 - $23

About The Position

The Forklift Operator in Transplanting department is responsible for safety transporting trays, pots, and hanging baskets of newly transplanted plants. This role ensures plants are moved from transplanting lines to the greenhouses or fields areas effectively, while protecting plant quality and supporting overall production flow.

Requirements

Excellent hand- eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Operating forklift safety and efficiently in confined spaces.
Effective communication skills.
Strong teamwork skills to collaborate with colleagues.
Ensures accuracy and consistency in plant handling.
Able to work in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
A valid Forklift operator certificate or equivalent experience.
Knowledge of safe forklift operation in various weather and greenhouse conditions.
Ability to read laydown maps and follow transplanting schedules.
Work long hours as needed during busy season, including weekends and night shifts.
Work indoors and outdoors, in varying temperatures and humidity levels.
Must be able to stand, walk, bend and lift to 50 pounds in a warm greenhouse environment.

Responsibilities

Operate forklifts with pot-moving attachments to transport multiple pots, trays, and hanging baskets at once.
Move transplanted plants from transplanting lines to designated greenhouse or outdoor growing area.
Assist the transplanting team by staging empty pots, and trays before transplanting begins.
Carefully handle plants to minimize damage when laying down.
Follow transplanting schedules and placement locations to ensure proper laydown.
Perform basic forklift inspections and report mechanical issues to supervisor.
Assist with spacing parameters are correct for crop type, and tray size.
Collaborate with production teams to meet daily and weekly laydown targets.
Follow all company safety and operational protocols.
Support with non-driving transplanting tasks when needed, including line work.

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance and Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) with employer contributions
401K retirement plan options with employer match
Paid holidays
Paid Time Off- Full-time employees accrue immediately!
Annual Profit share
Generous Employee Flower/Plant Discount Program
Development opportunities
Paid Time off for volunteering and community service
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness program
Fun employee events throughout the year